£10million Fulham star says he was ‘very close’ to joining Everton before late U-turn

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A current Fulham player has admitted he was “very close” to joining Everton in 2021 before a sudden change of heart.

The Toffees have had numerous players come through the doors over the years with differing levels of success.

Several have started superbly well before seeing their fortunes swiftly change.

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Everton’s off-the-field issues have hardly been conducive to success over the last seven years. Farhad Moshiri’s misspending, coupled with Premier League charges, have cast a large cloud over Goodison Park.

Evertonians are now desperate to see the back of the British-Iranian businessman; when that time will be remains a mystery.

Fulham star Andreas Pereira shares 2021 story on Everton

Fulham star Andreas Pereira moved to Craven Cottage permanently in 2022. Sky Sports reported the 28-year-old was signed for £10million, with his former employers, Manchester United, holding a 20 per cent sell-on fee.

The Brazilian embarked on numerous loan spells during his stint at Old Trafford: Valencia, Lazio, Granada and Flamengo.

Pereira has since revealed that he was “very close” to moving to Goodison Park before his loan move to his native Brazil back in 2021.

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, the Fulham star said: “I was very close to joining Everton. And, suddenly, my father called me and said, ‘Andreas, you’ve never played in Brazil, and you’re Brazilian. I was like, ‘Yeah, but where do we go then?’”

Everton could’ve missed out on the former Manchester United gem

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A loan deal could have been a good solution for all concerned. Everton would’ve landed a creative midfielder – that they desperately needed – and Manchester United could have been content with one of their younger stars gaining much-needed experience.

Moving away from Old Trafford permanently appears to have done wonders for Pereira. He’s made 78 appearances under Marco Silva in two years, more than he amassed for Manchester United during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian has become a shrewd addition for the Craven Cottage club. Seven assists and three goals this season is a commendable attacking return, something Sean Dyche desperately requires at the heart of his midfield.